Irvine vows Hibs won’t relax for Stranraer tie

JACKSON IRVINE insists

Hibs have to show Stranraer the same respect they afforded Rangers at the weekend if they are to avoid a Scottish Cup shock.

Irvine is adamant the

Easter Road side can take positives from Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Premiership champions Rangers at Ibrox.

But the Australia midfielder is fully aware anything less than victory in the cup on Sunday will be an embarrassment.

He said: “It’s a strange feeling, because you can’t really be too critical of the performance [on

Sunday] from most of the players, individually and collectively.

“I think we put a lot out there and created enough moments.

“But I suppose that’s the difference and why Rangers are where they are at this moment.

“Their moments of quality have led them to winning the game and a few missed chances from us, and a few things that haven’t gone our way, leave us frustrated, ultimately.

“[Sunday] is a different challenge but it will require the same level of performance.

“That’s the challenge of the cup sometimes, particularly when you’re drawn in fixtures like we’ve been drawn.

“You have to go there the same way as [Ibrox], with the same attitude and mentality. And, ultimately, the quality will be what wins you the game.”

Despite pushing for an equaliser late on, Sunday was a third single-goal loss for Hibs against Rangers this season.

Irvine, who has held talks over extending the short-term deal he signed with Hibs in January, believes the Easter Road team are currently in a good place, but must still strive for better.

He added: “We’ve got four big games left in the league and a cup game that can put us in a great position and put us in a quarter-final.

“There’s still plenty to play for and we need to take those fine margins and turn them into our favour, and that will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season.”